Winemaker Notes
A vibrant red ruby color, this Carneros Pinot Noir shows lifted red berry fruit flavors and aromas of fresh strawberry, Bing cherry, and raspberry, along with the signature cinnamon graham cracker spice found in our Grace Benoist Ranch Pinots Noirs. Appealing and bright, concentrated red fruit comes through on the palate, alongside delicate mineral earth and spice notes, followed by a lush mouthfeel and silky tannins. Youthful and fresh but with the potential to age for up to 10 years.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dark-berry and blueberry character to this. Full-bodied and linear with tight tannins and a flavorful finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch gives up pronounced notes of cherry preserves, raspberry pie and cranberry sauce with touches of truffles, bouquet garni and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully plush and juicy with mouth-filling layers of red berry preserves and earthy sparks, finishing with impressive length.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.